If you're keeping score on gay marriage (updated x3)

Reaction continues to come in on Gov. David Paterson’s directive that state government recognize same-sex couples married in other states or countries. A sampling:

“According to the Word of God, marriage is and always will be the union of a man and a woman. Since God created marriage, only He has the authority to change it. The Governor’s decree is a violation of the New York State Domestic Relations Law, the New York State Constitution, and the Word of God. ”

-New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms

“Governor Paterson has taken a huge step backward.

“When elected officials take actions that exceed the scope of their authority, they erode our trust in government. New Yorkers know this all too well, given our experience with Eliot Spitzer’s heavy-handed attempts to impose his will on our state without regard for other branches of government. Unfortunately, it does not appear that Governor Paterson has learned this lesson. At a time when he ought to be building consensus and restoring the confidence of the public, he has chosen to take a divisive position and to override our State Legislature, which has not legalized same-sex marriage.”

“This is a milestone in the fight for fairness in New York. For the first time, couples in New York who have never known true security for their families will be officially entitled to treatment by our state government that respects their rights. They should now finally get a taste of the family protections other married couples and their children enjoy.”

-Donna Lieberman, executive director, New York Civil Liberties Union

NYCLU also did a video on the issue:

“The administrative action by Gov. Paterson compelling all state agencies to recognize same-sex ‘marriages’ performed in other states is an unwelcome bypassing of the state legislature. Unfortunately, this unilateral move without legislative input is not in keeping with Mr. Paterson’s promises upon taking office of a collaborative and bipartisan governing style.”
“What our biblical ancestors knew instinctively holds true today: Marriage between a man and a woman is the best way to assure the stable rearing of children and the flourishing of society. It should not be treated as simply one more lifestyle choice, equal to any other, because it is not.
“Homosexual men and women must be treated with dignity by all. In cases where unjust discrimination occurs, it must be remedied. However, just as the state cannot declare a man to be a ‘mother’ or a woman to be a ‘father,’ it can not declare a same-sex union to be a ‘marriage.’ To use a distinctly New York expression, ‘It is what it is.’ ”.

–Richard Barnes, executive director, New York State Catholic Conference

“Governor Paterson’s directive on same-sex marriages affirms the principles our nation was founded upon,” State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said. “Last year, I directed the New York State and Local Retirement System to recognize all same-sex marriages legally sanctioned in other jurisdictions. Now the rest of state government will do the same. This is an important step for New Yorkers who believe in fairness and equality for all.”

-Comptroller Tom DiNapoli

“I am very disappointed with Governor Paterson’s decision to recognize same sex marriages from other states. I believe that Governor Paterson has joined many judges from throughout the nation that have taken the position to legislate against the will of the people. New York State legislators have not approved homosexual marriages and I believe that it will never happen as long as the Republican Party controls the majority in the New York State Senate. Furthermore, even if we Democrats get to the majority next year, I will not vote for it based on my religion and beliefs.”

-Sen. Rev. Ruben Diaz, D-Bronx

“Family Planning Advocates of New York State supports the legal recognition of same sex couples to form families with all the protections, benefits and responsibilities now extended to opposite sex couples under state and federal law.”

“…proud to support Governor Paterson’s directive recognizing same sex marriage.”